CHASSIS IDENTIFICATION (VIN)

One of the most asked questions I get, deals
with chassis numbers and VINs. In most cases, the original VIN
number has been destroyed, or lost, and the new owner doesn't
have a clue where to look for the original VIN location. The Anglias,
Prefects, and Thames that were exported to North America were
left-hand drive, and fitted with a "larger" 1172cc/10hp
(rated) engine. These vehicles differ from what was sold in England
and in most of Europe. Since most of you are from this side of
the Atlantic, I will give you the information that I have on file.
Unfortunately, Ford of England did not keep the best of records
dealing with VINs, unlike Volkswagen, for example, and there isn't
a book to look at, and get the entire series of production numbers.
On the ID plate shown here (above left), is what the factory attached
to the top right-hand corner of the firewall (from the front of
the car). These ID tags were either brass (early), or aluminum,
and were attached with four small, straight-slot screws. Ford
placed not only this tag, but also, a brass plate near the center
of the firewall, which is actually a Briggs Body tag, and has
nothing to do with VINs, so don't use this number for your title!
The other location is on the main chassis rail, on
the right side of the car, near the shock mount, on the top. There
are two rivets showing on the top frame rail, where the transmission
diagonal brace is attached. This ID starts from the front of the
car with a five-pointed star, then the letter "C," followed
by six digits, then another star. You can read this number from
standing on the right side of the car, and looking down into the
engine compartment.
Looking at the chart below. I show what VIN numbers I have located,
with some that I may never. These numbers are for a left-hand
drive car, fitted with the 10hp engine. If you have a right-hand
drive car, these numbers will be different. The number found in
the middle box is the first number of that production year, while
the number found on the right, is the last. Always use the "C"
before the VIN. You can use 1/8-inch stamps from Sears. Anglia
Obsolete offers new blank ID plates for $22.